A principle problem of mainstream hockey talk revolves around finding the right value for a defensive player. Evaluating a player's defensive attributes, unfortunately, falls into some pitfalls on the surface. It is absolutely impossible to watch every game and judge each player well defensively, which causes some problems when it comes to handing out individual awards at the end of the season.

(This is submission two in the ongoing FN contributor search. Once again share your thoughts in the comments, but keep things constructive or complimentary)

By Jake Travis**

With the era of the Feast only a few months old, Jay Feaster has already managed to drastically change the way in which the Calgary Flames operate. Whether it be on the ice or in the boardroom, Feaster's impact on the organization has been a significant one. Much of what he's done unfortunately won't appease the frenzied July 1st/NHL Entry Draft loving fan that adamantly demanded change at the conclusion of yet another failed season. While the man of the hour did let out a hefty line in an attempt to catch the White Whale that has eluded the Calgary Flames organization for these many years, what he ended up reeling in was something a touch more familiar.

(This article is the first submission in the FN contributor search. Please add your cheers and jeers in the comments. Make sure to keep things impersonal and constructive, however. Personal attacks will not be tolerated).

By Scott Lepp**

The title of this blog represents two different ways of looking at the Calgary Flames heading into the 2011/2012 campaign. On one hand, the team was hotter than a two-dollar pistol during much of the 2nd-half of the season and some poorly timed injuries hurt that push late in the year, leading to the team falling just short of the playoffs. Had they continued at that torrid pace, they might have been a difficult team to face in the 1st round. They enter this year with a similar lineup; itching to make that push to the post-season.

So we've entered the dreadful slow days of August. The lack of news and the warm weather combine to form the very worst days for NHL hockey coverage. Fear not, however, we here at FN have plans to find a way to keep the site lively.

You know that the only way you are going to hear commercials on the podcast of NationRadio this week is if you click on the YouTube movie above then quickly close your eyes and listen to the old Molson Ad we found. Cause NationRadio is commercial free here on the Nation Network.